Abita’s doppelbock pours a perfectly clear, pale gold topped by a lacy white head that sticks to the glass as it dissipates. While the beer boasts a fairly sweet aroma, it veers from more traditional examples with a modest hop scent that augments the slightly toasted grains. Flavors are well-organized, beginning sweet with toasted barley and a vanillalike caramel sweetness followed by an assertive floral hop flavor and bitterness. This is a big beer to be sure, and its body displays that in its fullness, but the finish is sweet and sticky.
